Article

15th February 2017, 06:50

MEET THE TEAM: Rhys Williams

Counting down to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup this autumn,
we take a look at Wales' try machine Rhys Williams.

A superb finisher, powerful and quick, Wales' all time top try scorer RHYS WILLIAMS will surely be one of the first names on John Kear’s list as the Wales head coach decides who is going down under for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup this autumn.

Born in Wrexham and raised in Flintshire, Rhys Willams made his senior international debut for Wales Rugby League against England in 2008. Earlier that year he had starred for Wales U18s and helped the team lift the junior European Championships by scoring seven tournament tries. Three against the hosts Czech Republic, two in the semi-final win over England and two in the final against France.

A prolific try scorer Rhys Williams has helped Wales win three European Championships and also starred for Wales in the 2011 Four Nations and 2013 World Cup. Rhys has scored tries against the best in the world. Video Link: Rhys Williams scoring against Australia

Rhys is from a big rugby family and is just 10 months older than his brother and sister, twins Gavin and Sian. Sister Sian is a Wales rugby union international and the first ever female professional rugby player in Wales who plays for Newport Gwent Dragons. Pic: Rhys Williams' sister Sian Williams.

Rhys played alongside his brother Gavin for Warrington Wolves’ under 20s and once in the first team when they won the Carnegie 9s in 2009. Gavin is now in rugby union with English League 1 side Amphtill. Pic: Brothers Rhys and Gavin Williams recieving their Carnegie 9s winners medals from Neal Coupland and Lionel Hurst.

Born in Wrexham and brought up in Mynydd Isa in Flintshire, Rhys Williams attended Argoed High School. Williams started off in rugby union with Mold and eventually played in the academy at regional rugby union side, the Scarlets. But it was when he transferred to Warrington that his career really took off. He made his Super League debut for the Wolves just over a year later in early 2010 playing alongside his Welsh team-mate and Super League legend Lee Briers. Pic: Rhys Williams hugging Lee Briers after scoring a try for Warrington Wolves.

He had loan spells with Crusaders RL, Castleford Tigers, Salford Red Devils, Swinton Lions before moving to Central Queensland Capras for a year before joining the Broncos in 2015.

Pic: Rhys Williams in action for Crusaders against Bradford Bulls in the Super League.

He has now scored over 100 tries in the professional club game, and in 2012, two tries in a fixture against France saw Williams overtake Iestyn Harris to become Wales' all-time leading try scorer. Pic: Rhys Williams breaking the try scoring record for Wales against France

Wales' next game will be away against Papua New Guniea in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup starting in October. Wales enter the tournament six games unbeaten and as current European Champions however have some mouthwatering opposition in their three opening group games. Click here for a full World Cup fixture list and to buy tickets.